From what you've described, it sounds like the best thing to do is move on. The project involved you doing X hours of work for Y units of compensation. Since the project was cancelled before you started, that means you've done X=0 hours of work.
Therefore, it seems justifiable that you would receive Y=0 units of compensation.
If you're a consultant, your ability to make money and generate revenue for yourself most likely depends on not just your technical skill level, but also your level of trust, ability to network and form personal relationships, and your ability to understand that the loss of one opportunity could segue into another opportunity.
You could push the issue and try to get some portion of your 80 hours, but at what loss? Is this person going to want to do business with someone who is inflexible when they need flexibility? Are they going to refer you to a partner or other business in need of services? Will you be spending time and energy on something that isn't lucrative when you could be spending that energy networking and searching for other opportunities?
Keep in mind that the main reason businesses hire contractors is for the same reason contractors love being contractors: Flexibility.